"No--no. I won't be afraid as long as you're there to hold my hand."
He put his arm around her shoulders and drew her close and they walked
with the other people toward the Church.
* * * * *
The President of the United States put through a call to the Premier
of Russia. Connections clicked into place across half a world and the
Russian operator's voice came through warm and cordial. "Of course, Mr.
President. The Premier's wire is always open to you. I'll ring him."
The phone was lifted instantly. "Mr. President! How nice of you to
call!"
"Our previous conversation set me thinking, Mr. Premier. I want to be a
part of your inspiring idea. So I'm rewriting our own statement and I
suggest we make a joint public release. I think it will help the people
of the world to face the end with greater dignity. The _knowing_--I
think--will help."
"I'm sure it will. How soon will your draft be finished?"
"Can you give me another two hours?"
"Of course. Ring me when you're ready. Perhaps we can set up an
international television hookup and appear together."
"I'm sure we can."
* * * * *
Frank and Dee Allison came out of church bringing some of the peace
and the strength with them. Dee said, "I'd like to see my mother for a
little while before--before--"